Guidelines On The Various Options In Gaining Admission To Study Pharmacy In Nigeria

Admission Options For Pharmacy School

There are various options available for pharmacy aspirants to gain admission into pharmacy. Different schools offer different or many options. Aspirants can opt in to the one that is more favorable because they are all legal.

A lot of intending pharmacy students find it difficult getting into the pharmacy profession. This is because the means of getting admission to Study pharmacy is somewhat limited.

A lot of pharmacy students today gain admission into institutions using the most popular means, which is through Joint Admission Matriculation Board (J.A.M.B), Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (U.T.M.E). However, we shall see all the options available to Nigerian students to gain admission to study pharmacy in a Nigerian university.

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JAMB UTME

This is the oldest and most common means of securing admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. To gain admission into the pharmacy for a B. Pharm degree of 5 years or Pharm D. of 6 years, an applicant must possess at least five credits passes in Senior School Leaving Certificate Examination (SSCE) of Mathematics, Physics, and use of English Language, Chemistry, and Biology. In most university, it must be one sitting if there are still some universities that accept two sittings. Awaiting result is allowed.

After buying the form, candidates will then sit for the examination that will involve the use of English, biology, physics and chemistry under three hours and forty-five minutes on a scheduled date.

Successful candidates who score high and beat the year’s cut-off mark will then proceed to buy screening form in the university of choice. The University will consider students who meet their conditions. It involve catchment area, UTME score, SSCE grades, etc.

Shortlisted candidates will be provided with further information on how to proceed to start from 100 level. However, due to the difficulty in securing admission through this means, many students are looking for alternatives means. Here they are.

Joint University Preliminary Examination Board (JUPEB) Program

These programs run for a period of ten months. A program that is accepted by most universities in the southern part of Nigeria. It is an Advanced Level Examination (A Level) established and coordinated by the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Successful candidates will be admitted into 200 level of pharmacy. The program has a syllabus which each affiliated university have developed a program to train candidates on each subject relevant to pharmacies such as physics, chemistry and biology.

The program runs two semesters with the affiliated university organising a mock examination for candidates, which will contribute about 30 % to the total score for each subject. The final examination organised by the board takes up the remaining 70 %.  The grading system is in the form of A, B, C, D, E and F where each grade is given a point like;

A = 70 - 100 = 5 points

B = 60 - 69 = 4 points

C = 50 - 59 = 3 points

D = 46 - 49 = 2 points

E = 40 - 45 = 1 points

F = 0 - 39 = 0 point

Result is calculated by point. Each student partake in 3 compulsory subject. That means in a situation whereby a student gets all three subjects A’s; such a student will be awarded;

5 points multiply by 3, which will total 15.

However, in a case of a B, the score will be calculated with 4 points.

The higher the score, the more your chances of getting admission. This is because each university that accepts this program has a different cut-off mark for pharmacy. Candidates will be given a certificate with their score in it. Successful candidates will then proceed to buy JAMB direct entry form. That means candidates must fulfil other JAMB admission requirements for pharmacy pertaining to each school.

The advantage of this program is that why candidates are on it, they can also spread their tentacles not laying all their eggs in one basket by taking UTME during the program choosing other schools. Successful candidates are also given admission into 200 level. In addition, candidates can use the certificate to apply for admission in subsequent years. That is to say, the certificate does not have an expiry date.

Note: All A level examinations are harder than UTME

Interim Joint Matriculation Examination Board (IJMB)

This program is just like JUPEB. Many institutions also recognise it as it is older than JUPEB. It is organised by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (ABU).

Pre-Degree (Basic) Program

Most Nigerian universities offer a one year program or there about for students who want to gain admission to study pharmacy. A good example is Delta State University (DELSU) Pre-Degree program.

Candidates are lectured on the five science subjects for a period. It may be divided into two semesters with a mock examination for the first semester. The first examination may take up about 30 % of the total score. The total is accumulated and admission is given into 100 level. Some institutions require candidates to write UTME examination to have a particular score or just to get JAMB registration Number from JAMB.

Since universities use UTME also, the quota of students from their basic programs is not as much as that from UTME. However, this method is good since candidates can use the JAMB to secure admission, as it is always advisable to spread your tentacles. This increases admission possibilities.

Direct Entry

From college to polytechnics to universities, there are some courses one can study and apply for direct entry to study pharmacy. These courses can be for a two year or three year period. However, applicants must possess a good result in their degree before thinking of this option. The course must be related to pharmacy. A good example is a graduate of Pharmacy technicians with National ordinary Diploma Certificate (O.N.D) (although not yet effected). Cumulative Grade Point Average (C.G.P.A) of about 3.5 of 5 points is the average expected of most pharmacy schools. However, I guess some will accept 3.0 of five. So before you proceed, consider the school. Admission is direct into 200 level.

Intending candidates must buy JAMB direct entry form with the other JAMB requirements for a pharmacy for the different schools.

Read Also: Courses In Pharmacy School In Nigeria

Other A’ level Programs

There are numerous legitimate educational institutions and consult across the country having an affiliation with international bodies that operate advanced level programs and examinations. They include Cambridge A’ level, etc. Upon successful completion, candidates can apply for admission into any university to study pharmacy from 200 level. However, candidates must purchase a direct entry form fulfilling all JAMB conditions. The advantage of these is that the result can be used in Nigeria and abroad.

Note: Many pharmacy schools may not accept other A' level programs. However, the one of Cambridge is very common in Nigeria.